By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has justified the swift constitution of government by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, February 9, Dafeamekpor described the government’s formation as an achievement, despite criticisms from the opposition.
Dafeamekpor dismissed claims that the government had rushed its appointments without due parliamentary process. He insisted that all necessary parliamentary committees were in place to facilitate ministerial approvals and other government functions. These committees include the Business Committee, Selection Committee, House Committee, and Appointments Committee, which were formed in line with parliamentary procedures.
While acknowledging that some subject-matter committees were yet to be fully formed, Dafeamekpor assured that leadership from both caucuses had taken steps to ensure proper representation. He explained that before a nominee is vetted, leadership from both sides submits names to form a panel with relevant expertise.
Dafeamekpor also refuted allegations of deliberate efforts to expedite the approval of President John Mahama’s appointees. He questioned why opposition MPs had caused disruptions if there had been an agreement to rush the vetting process. Instead, he attributed the disturbances to opposition attempts to delay proceedings in response to pressure from their party base.
The Majority Chief Whip emphasized that before public hearings, both parties engaged in closed-door discussions to agree on the number of nominees to be vetted daily and the structure of questioning. This, he said, demonstrates a structured process, contrary to claims of rushed appointments.
In conclusion, Dafeamekpor’s defense of the government’s swift formation highlights the NDC’s commitment to efficient governance, despite opposition criticisms.
